Le Kaire, Tombeaux de Sultans Mamelouks 1851 - 1852

Félix Teynard created this photograph of the Tombs of the Mamluk Sultans in Cairo, Egypt, using the calotype process. The image captures a moment in time during the mid-19th century when European interest in Egypt was intensifying. Teynard was part of a wave of photographers who documented Egypt’s ancient monuments and contemporary life. The Mamluk dynasty ruled Egypt for centuries, leaving behind a rich architectural legacy. Yet, by the time Teynard arrived, their tombs were in a state of disrepair, a sign of shifting political power and the decline of local institutions. Teynard’s photograph not only documented the architecture but also spoke to the state of Egyptian society under increasing foreign influence. His photographs, along with those of his contemporaries, fueled European fascination with the Middle East and North Africa, shaping perceptions and influencing policy. To understand this image fully, we can consult archives, travelogues, and colonial records. These sources shed light on the complex relationship between Egypt and Europe during this period and Teynard's role in shaping it.